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Kicking off 2025 with momentum, partnerships, and ecosystem-building. Here's a glimpse of what we've been up to this very first quarter. |
| Tech Alliances That Matter: Microsoft x HALA Ventures |
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We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Arabia, a step that marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at driving innovation in the region. Through this agreement, startups within our network will gain future access to world-class tools, expert mentorship, and valuable resources. This initiative is a testament to our ongoing mission to deliver value beyond capital.
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|  | TRACKING THE PULSE OF THE SAUDI STARTUP ECOSYSTEMWe released Version 2.0 of our comprehensive Saudi Ecosystem Infographic, a visual overview capturing the dynamism and data behind the Kingdom’s Startup’s landscape. A deep dive into the key players, funding sources, incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, and all the critical pillars supporting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. As one of the most active early-stage investors, we believe in open-sourcing insights that benefit the entire ecosystem. Saudi Startup Ecosystem 2.0 |
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|  | | | SHAPING CONVERSATIONS AT WEB SUMMIT QATAR |
| HALA Ventures participated in two impactful sessions at Web Summit Qatar, sharing insights on venture capital and founder readiness. |
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| Cap Table Management Masterclass
Our Founding Managing Partner, Ali Abussaud, led a practical session on building clean cap tables, structuring equity, and leveraging ESOPs to attract and retain talent. Navigating VC Funding in Emerging Markets
Our Founding Managing Partner, Hussain Almarhoon joined a panel hosted by Qatar Development Bank, discussing the challenges and opportunities of venture funding in emerging ecosystems.
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| | Both sessions reflected HALA’s commitment to sharing real, actionable insights that help founders build stronger, investment-ready businesses. |
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| | ON STAGE AT LEAP 2025At LEAP 2025, HALA Ventures hosted a thought-provoking session on corporate-startup partnerships, bringing together leaders from across industries to explore how collaboration can drive meaningful innovation.
The session featured speakers from Microsoft, Almajdouie Motors, MBC GROUP, and Bank AlJazira, alongside HALA Ventures.The session was hosted by our Value Creation Manager, Nada Helmy, who guided the discussion toward actionable insights that both startups and corporates can leverage to build stronger, more strategic partnerships.
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|  | | | | | PORTFOLIOCOMPANIESHIGHLIGHTS |
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| | | Advancing Arabic AI Through Innovation and Research Intella continued to lead in Arabic AI, making significant strides in both strategic partnerships and academic research. It was selected for the “InsurAI” virtual program, driving AI innovation in the insurance sector, and at LEAP 2025, it signed a major partnership with Jsour by Tamkeen Technologies to integrate advanced Arabic-language analytics into contact centers. On the research front, Intella published two groundbreaking papers on Arabic Speech Recognition (ASR) and sentiment analysis in top-tier journals, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in Arabic AI and its commitment to culturally aware, cutting-edge solutions. |
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| | Expanding Globally: Nearpay Enters the Turkish Market Nearpay secured its official licenses to operate in Turkey, marking a key milestone in its international expansion. As part of this move, Nearpay announced its first strategic partnership in the Turkish market with Nomupay, a leading fintech and payments company in the region, further solidifying Nearpay’s mission to simplify payments across borders. |
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| | Sarwa Wins Regional Award Sarwa was proudly recognized on the Forbes Middle East Fintech 50 list for 2025, highlighting the company’s leadership, culture, and impact in reshaping the fintech landscape. Moreover, for the second consecutive year, Sarwa was selected as one of the UAE’s Future 100 companies, an initiative by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Government Development and the Future Office. |
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| | Fueling Growth and Expanding Partnerships in Digital Logistics Torod achieved a major milestone this quarter, securing SAR 42 million in a Series A funding round announced at LEAP 2025. The investment will drive expansion, innovation in digital logistics, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. HALA Ventures proudly participated in this round. Alongside this success, Torod forged key partnerships at LEAP 2025 with industry leaders like J&T Express Middle East, Aramex, iMile Delivery, Khazenly, Omniful, Flow Progressive Logistics, Cipher | سايڤر, Soum, and more, strengthening its position as a leading force in digital logistics. |
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| | Strategic Partnerships & Immersive Innovation VUZ made several important partnerships, including collaborating with the Ministry of Sport in Saudi Arabia to deliver an immersive 360° experience of the Supercoppa Italiana, teaming up with Karate Combat to enhance fan engagement through immersive viewing, and participating in the 1 Billion Summit to showcase its commitment to impactful content and technology-driven innovation. |
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| | Driving Innovation and Excellence in InsurTech Democrance partnered with Sukoon Insurance to introduce innovative digital Accident & Health insurance products in the UAE, enhancing accessibility and affordability. Reinforcing its industry leadership, Democrance was named InsurTech of the Year at the MENA II Awards for the second consecutive year, while its CEO was recognized as Emerging Talent of the Year, highlighting the company’s impact and innovation in the insurance sector. |
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| | Revolutionizing Corporate Spend Management in Saudi Arabia Sanad Cash officially launched its corporate cards in Saudi Arabia through a strategic partnership with neoleap, marking a key step in transforming spend management for finance teams in the Kingdom. |
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| | Empowering the Future of Flexible Living Rize had a standout quarter, securing a SAR 132 million (USD 35 million) Series A funding round, a major milestone that will power their continued growth and innovation in flexible rental solutions for tenants and landlords. HALA Ventures proudly participated in this round. |
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| | Driving Innovation and Recognition in Education Lamsa was featured on the Emirati Day of Education, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of learning in line with the UAE’s vision. It was also highlighted in the App Store’s Kids Corner, reflecting its impact in early childhood education. Additionally, CEO Badr Ward introduced the concept of a Unified Education Framework at Bett Global in London, advocating for greater alignment between funders, providers, and national education strategies. |
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| | Recognized for Innovation in FoodTech and Sustainability Kaso was featured in Forward Fooding’s FoodTech500, recognizing it as a leading innovator in food, technology, and sustainability. It was also named one of the 33 Dubai Tech Startups to Watch by Founders Forum Group, underscoring its impact in Dubai’s growing tech ecosystem. |
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| | | As we wrap up an exciting Q1, we remain energized by the momentum across our portfolio and the broader ecosystem. From strategic partnerships and funding milestones to cutting-edge innovations in AI, fintech, logistics, and proptech, the first quarter of 2025 has set a strong foundation for what's to come. At HALA Ventures, we continue to back bold founders, foster meaningful collaborations, and help shape the future of innovation across the region. Thank you for being part of this journey, and stay tuned for more updates in the next quarter! |
| Warm regards, The HALA Ventures Team |
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